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Khao Sok National Park is located on the mountain ridge that separates the east and westcoasts of the Thai peninsula. It is situated in the west of Surat Thani province, in Ban Ta Khun and Phanom districts. Established in 1980, Khao Sok National Park was the 22nd park to be designated out of the 77 Thai National Parks. It covers an area of 738.74 square kilometers. Originally, the north side of the park was bounded by the Pasaeng River. However, since the construction of Rachabrapah Dam in 1982 and the formation of the artificial lake, the boundary of the park has been extended to include the reservoir. The reservoir itself covers an area of 165 square kilometers. Beyond the lake extends the wildlife sanctuaries of Khlong Saeng and Khlong Nakha and Kaeng Krung National Park. To the west of Khao Sok lies Sri Phang Nga National Park. Lying astride the junction of the provinces of Ranong, Phang Nga and Surat Thani, these reserves make up the largest area of continuous forest preserve in the Thai peninsula with 4,000 square kilometers. It is only in this area that large mammals such as tigers and elephants have survived in the south of Thailand, although little is known about their status.
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Photo of Khao sok &
chew Lan Lake.. |
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Khao Sok
National Park Forest Types |
| Khao Sok National Park contains
3 distinct forest types. |
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1.
Rain Forest (Tropical Evergreen Forest)
This is the principal forest type covering the majority of
the national park area. These forests are dense and stratified
structures dominated by tall emergent trees that are often
supported by buttress roots. A large proportion of these trees
belong to the Dipterocarpaceae family and are easily recognized
by their two winged fruits. The middle level of the forest
is an aerial tangle of figs and lianas (woody climbers). Below
is the dense under-area, where evergreen ground flora such
as bamboo, rattan, ferns and palms compete for light. |
2.
Limestone Forest
This occurs on the steep limestone karsts which are scattered
across the park. The various species growing in this environment
can survive without very much water. Their roots are able
to grip into small cracks in the rock. Of particular interest
is Mayburretia Furtadoana (Maak Pralatoo), a small palm species
endemic to Khao Sok National Park and the surrounding areas. |
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| 3. Secondary or Disturbed Forest. This occurs in areas
that have in the past been logged or disturbed by human activity.
The vegetation growing here is characterized by invasive and
fast-growing robust plant species. In Khao Sok National Park
this forest type is found around the banks of the Rachabrapah
Dam and lake. |
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4.
Caves.
Caves are formed by underground water
and are characteristic of limestone landscapes. Khao Sok National
Park has many limestone caves, such as 'Kangkow' cave, 'Namtaloo'
cave, 'Seeroo' cave. These caves were formed through a chemical
process called carbonation in which the calcium carbonate
of the limestone is dissolved by water containing carbon dioxide.
The rock is gradually eroded. Small cracks form and gradually
enlarge until a tunnel is created. Under certain conditions,
the process is reversed and calcium carbonate is deposited
within the cave in the form of stalactites and stalagmites. |
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| Stalactites are limestone "icicles"
that hang down from the cave ceiling. They are formed as water
drips down from cracks. As the water enters the cave, the
carbon dioxide from some of the molecules diffuses out into
the air and the remaining calcite crystals cling to the formation.
As the water continues to flow down the stalactite, calcite
crystals are deposited along the outer surface and on the
tip, enlarging the formation. |
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Wildlife |
| The richness of the tropical forest flora, the abundance
of fresh water, and the shelter of the mountains all provide
excellent habitats for many wildlife species. Khao Sok National
Park makes up part of the largest continuous forest area remaining
in the Thai peninsula. This provides the only viable habitat
in southern Thailand for large mammals needing extensive areas
of undisturbed forest for their survival. |
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Mammals. Elephants,
tigers, gaur, and banteng are known to be present. Tracks
are seen regularly, although actual sightings are very rare.
The status of these animals is therefore still uncertain.
Many smaller mammals are frequently encountered, such as
monkeys, langur, wild boar, and deer. The call of gibbons
is often heard along the forest trails. |
- Birds.
One hundred and eighty-eight species of birds have so far
been recorded in Khao Sok National Park. The most spectacular
and distinctive to such rainforest environments are the
Hornbills, of which there are five confirmed types. The
Argus Pheasant, another rare bird, has also been seen in
the forest.
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Reptiles and Amphibia.
Very
little research has been carried out to determine what species
of reptiles and amphibia inhabit this area, despite the
obvious abundance of these creatures, including many varieties
of snake, lizard, frog and tortoise. |
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Insects
Thailand's geographical position makes it uniquely rich
in insect life. There are literally thousands of different
insect species in Khao Sok: ants, beetles, butterflies,
stick insects, dragonflies, and spiders. Insects play a
vital role in the breakdown of matter, decomposition on
the forest floor, and pollination, which are all critical
to the forest life cycle. Without these decomposers, life
in the forest would eventually grind to a halt for lack
of available nutrients |
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khao sok and Chew lan lake Map 
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